PARKS, Ariz. (AP) — A significant winter storm brought heavy snow to northern Arizona on Friday, resulting in a major traffic backup exceeding 15 miles (24 kilometers) along a crucial section of Interstate 40. The inclement weather caused semitrucks and other vehicles to become immobilized on the westbound lane between Flagstaff and Williams as night fell, creating a standstill that persisted for several hours.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesperson, Bart Graves, indicated that the combination of heavy snowfall and a two-vehicle crash contributed to the traffic jam. "We could not clear it quickly enough to get traffic moving again because of the adverse snow conditions," Graves stated. Although an injury was reported from the crash, no fatalities were confirmed in the region as a result of the storm.
This winter storm marked the most significant weather event of the season to date and followed an extended dry period that had left Flagstaff and multiple cities across the western United States with a precipitation deficit. Despite the accumulation of snow and rain from this storm, it is anticipated that those areas will remain below normal in terms of precipitation levels.
Snowfall measurements varied across different elevations, ranging from several inches in lower regions to more than a foot (30 centimeters) in areas such as Flagstaff and Munds Park. Snow was still actively falling as the day progressed. The Arizona Snowbowl ski resort took to social media platform X, humorously proclaiming that "Miracle March was in full effect." Their post claimed, "This weekend is bound to be epic," generating excitement for winter sports enthusiasts.
During the storm's intensity, certain roadway closures occurred, including segments of Interstate 17 connecting Flagstaff and Phoenix. According to the National Weather Service, the storm system was expected to move east out of Arizona on Saturday, bringing some relief from the severe weather conditions.
Overall, the combination of heavy snowfall, traffic disruptions, and the ensuing safety reports encapsulates the impact of the winter storm on northern Arizona. The state continues to grapple with the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions while hoping for improved precipitation in the coming weeks.
